Corporate report

Environment Agency commitment to sustainability

Updated 24 February 2026

Applies to England

eMission is the Environment Agency’s sustainability strategy. It explains the priority actions we will take so we can deliver our EA2030 corporate strategy goals – healthy water, land and air supporting nature’s recovery, sustainable growth and a nation resilient to climate change – in the most sustainable way possible. Central to the transformation set out in EA2030 is the need to deal with the increasingly complex environmental challenges ahead. It reflects our shared commitment to protect and enhance the environment whilst also enabling sustainable growth – so that people, nature and business can thrive together.

The scope of our ISO14001 accredited Environmental Management System (EMS) includes provision of guidance, advice, regulation and development of policies and strategies to protect and improve the environment and contribute towards the delivery of sustainable development through integrated management of air, land and water in England. It ensures we fulfil our compliance obligations, including a commitment to the prevention of pollution through the effective management of our activities, assets and supply chains.

Our corporate strategy EA2030: change for a better environment sets out a vision for transforming the Environment Agency over the next 5 years and beyond, including our commitment to sustainability.

Halt the decline of nature and support its recovery

We recognise that healthy ecosystems provide clean air, land and water and are essential for nature’s recovery. Through our operations, estate management and supply chain decisions, we will protect existing nature and actively enhance biodiversity, complying with statutory duties including Biodiversity Net Gain and the strengthened biodiversity duty in the Environment Act 2021. We will measure our nature footprint and use evidence‑based targets to understand and reduce our impacts and dependencies.

Support circular economy principles

Transitioning to a circular economy where materials are kept in use, waste is eliminated and ecosystems are regenerated means we will need to make better choices and create behaviour change. We will develop and use our resource consumption footprint to prioritise actions to manage our resource use in line with planetary limits and transition our operations to a circular economy. Our supply chain presents the biggest risks and opportunities. Responsible sourcing requirements will help us to purchase the most socially and environmentally responsible products, services and materials throughout their lifecycle.   

Strengthen our resilience and contribute to government net zero targets

We must ensure our own organisation is fit for the changing climate. This means preparing our assets and ways of working by developing and implementing resilience plans. We will reduce carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement and become net zero between 2045 to 2050, cutting at least 90% of our emissions and removing the remainder through UK‑based nature projects.

A systems approach

Our work will deliver public benefit, support inclusive communities and ensure transparency across our supply chains. Our approach to protecting those who work for and with us from exploitation is set out in our modern slavery report. Social value will be delivered across our projects and procurement in line with UK government guidance.

We will integrate sustainability into all policies, tools and decision‑making processes, supported by strong governance, transparent reporting and continual improvement under ISO 14001. This includes leadership, innovation through collaboration, training for staff and supply chain partners.

Signed:

Philip Duffy – Chief Executive

Alan Lovell – Chair